Authentication and registration system

ABSTRACT

An authentication and registration system is provided which can reduce a burden at the time of authentication and registration while ensuring security when a single apparatus is used to perform authentication and registration of identification information on another apparatus. In an authentication and registration system (1), an authentication request signal is transmitted from a mobile terminal (3) to a registration server (2). When two sets of identification information VIN and IMSI received before and after the authentication request signal match each other, the registration server (2) transmits an authentication code signal to an on-board controller (4) so that an authentication code is displayed on a DA apparatus (23). Thereafter, when an authentication code in an authentication code acknowledgement signal transmitted from the mobile terminal (3) matches the authentication code in the authentication code signal, the registration server (2) determines that authentication of the identification information succeeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an authentication and registration system which authenticates and registers identification information on a communication-capable apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a system which registers and uses identification information on an apparatus as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-92323 has been known. This system is to facilitate car sharing and includes a mobile terminal, a vehicle, a server, and the like. In this system, when a user makes a registration, identification information is registered by a business operator with the server and the mobile terminal. When the user uses the vehicle, the user operates the mobile terminal distributed by the business operator, whereby authentication processing is carried out between the mobile terminal and the vehicle, and the vehicle thus becomes able to be used.

In recent years, it has become common to provide telematics to users who purchase a vehicle, in which case it is necessary to authenticate identification information on the vehicle and register the identification information with a server and the like. In this case, unlike Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-92323, a user needs to perform an operation of authenticating and registering the identification information at a dealer. At the same time, an examination to check that the user owning a mobile terminal is the owner of the vehicle also needs to be strictly performed in order to ensure security at the time of authentication and registration. As a result, since burdens on the dealer and the user increase, an authentication and registration system which can reduce such burdens is desired. This problem does not only pertain to telematics, but similarly arises with services in which industrial equipment other than vehicles is remotely operated by using a communication-capable apparatus such as a mobile terminal.

The present invention is made in order to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an authentication and registration system which can reduce a burden at the time of authentication and registration while ensuring security when a single apparatus is used to perform authentication and registration of identification information on another apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an authentication and registration system 1 comprising: a first apparatus (vehicle 6, on-board controller 4) which includes a first communication section (TCU 4 b) configured to transmit and receive a data signal, with which identification information (vehicle identification information VIN, SIM identification information IMSI) is associated, and which performs an action through an operation by a first user, a second apparatus (mobile terminal 3) which includes a second communication section (wireless communication circuit 3 c) configured to transmit and receive a data signal, is provided separately from the first apparatus and can be operated in parallel with the first apparatus, and performs an action through an operation by a second user, and an authentication and registration apparatus (registration server 2) which includes a third communication section (wireless communication circuit 2 c) configured to be able to perform data communication with the first communication section and with the second communication section via a network (wireless communication network 5), and an authentication and registration section (computation section 2 a, storage section 2 b) configured to register the identification information when a first identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is already received from the first communication section by the third communication section and when a predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied, wherein if the first apparatus further includes a first information output section (DA apparatus 23) configured to output information included in the data signal received by the first communication section, the second communication section, by the second apparatus being operated, transmits an authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus to the third communication section (STEP 5); the third communication section, after receiving the authentication request signal from the second communication section, transmits to the first communication section an output instruction signal (authentication code signal) for instructing the first information output section to output authentication information (authentication code) (STEP 13) when a second identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is received from the first communication section, and when the identification information included in the second identification information signal matches the identification information included in the first identification information signal, the first information output section outputs the authentication information (STEP 14) when the first communication section receives the output instruction signal; when an operation on the second apparatus is executed after the authentication request signal is transmitted to the third communication section, the second communication section transmits an executed-operation signal (authentication code acknowledgement signal) indicating an executed operation to the third communication section (STEP 16); and the authentication and registration section determines that the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied (STEP 17) when the executed-operation signal from the second communication section is received by the third communication section after the output instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the first communication section, and when the executed-operation signal indicates that the operation corresponding to the authentication information is executed.

According to this authentication and registration system, by the second apparatus being operated, the second communication section transmits the authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus to the third communication section, and the third communication section, after receiving the authentication request signal from the second communication section, transmits to the first communication section the output instruction signal for instructing the first information output section to output the authentication information when the second identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is received from the first communication section and when the identification information included in the second identification information signal matches the identification information included in the first identification information signal. Further, when the first communication section receives the output instruction signal, the first information output section outputs the authentication information, and when the operation on the second apparatus is executed after the second communication section transmits the authentication request signal to the third communication section, the second communication section transmits the executed-operation signal indicating the executed operation to the third communication section. Then, the authentication and registration section determines that the authentication condition of the identification information associated with the first apparatus is satisfied when the executed-operation signal from the second communication section is received by the third communication section after the output instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the first communication section, and when the executed-operation signal indicates that the operation corresponding to the authentication information is executed.

In this case, from the event that after the output instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the first communication section, the executed-operation signal indicating that the operation corresponding to the authentication information is executed is transmitted from the second communication section to the third communication section, it can be estimated that a person who recognizes the authentication information outputted from the first information output section conveys that information to a person who executes the operation on the second apparatus, or that the person who recognizes the authentication information is the same person who executes the operation on the second apparatus. If the authentication information is conveyed between the two persons in particular, it can be estimated that the two persons are in a relationship of trust. Accordingly, since it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated through an operation on the second apparatus by the single person or through an operation on the second apparatus by one of the two persons in a relationship of trust, security can be ensured when it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated. As described above, authentication determination can be performed while security is ensured, and a burden can be reduced at the time of authentication and registration of the identification information associated with the first apparatus.

In the present invention, the first apparatus is preferably at least one of a vehicle 6 and an on-board apparatus (on-board controller 4) mounted on the vehicle, and the second apparatus is preferably a mobile terminal 3.

According to this authentication and registration system, the single user operates the mobile terminal while visually recognizing the authentication information outputted by the first information output section, whereby it is possible to authenticate and register the identification information associated with the first apparatus while ensuring security. Thus, it is possible to reduce a burden at the time of authentication and registration.

In the present invention, the first information output section (DA apparatus 23) is preferably a display apparatus which is provided in the vehicle 6 and displays the authentication information (authentication code) when the first communication section (TCU 4 b) receives the output instruction signal; the mobile terminal preferably further includes an input interface (display 3 b); and the second communication section (wireless communication circuit 3 c) of the mobile terminal preferably transmits the executed-operation signal to the third communication section when an operation on the input interface is executed.

According to this authentication and registration system, the display apparatus provided in the vehicle displays the authentication information when the first communication section receives the instruction signal, and the second communication section of the mobile terminal transmits the executed-operation signal to the third communication section when the operation on the input interface is executed. Thus, the single user executes the operation corresponding to the authentication information on the input interface while referring to the authentication information displayed on the display apparatus of the vehicle, whereby the executed-operation signal indicating that the authentication information is displayed on the display apparatus can be transmitted to the third communication section. As a result, a burden can be reduced at the time of authentication and registration while security is ensured.

In the present invention, in a case where the first apparatus (vehicle 6) does not include the first information output section (DA apparatus 23) or in a case where the first information output section (DA apparatus 23) is broken down, and in a case where the second apparatus (mobile terminal 3) further includes a second information output section (display 3 b) configured to output information included in the data signal received by the second communication section (wireless communication circuit 3 c), the second communication section, by the second apparatus being operated, transmits the authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus to the third communication section (STEP 5); the third communication section, when receiving the authentication request signal from the second communication section, transmits an action instruction signal (operation command signal) for instructing to execute a predetermined action of the first apparatus to the second communication section (STEP 30); when the second communication section receives the action instruction signal, the second information output section outputs information on the predetermined action (STEP 31); when the first apparatus is operated, the first communication section transmits an action execution signal (operating state signal) indicating the action executed by the first apparatus to the third communication section (STEP 33); and the authentication and registration section determines that the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied (STEP 34) in a case where the action execution signal transmitted from the first communication section is received by the third communication section after the action instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the second communication section, and in a case where the action execution signal indicates that the predetermined action is executed by the first apparatus.

According to this authentication and registration system, if the first apparatus does not include the first information output section or if the first information output section is broken down, and if the second apparatus further includes the second information output section configured to output information included in the data signal received by the second communication section, the authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus is transmitted from the second communication section to the third communication section by the second apparatus being operated. Further, when the authentication request signal is received from the second communication section, the action instruction signal for instructing to execute the predetermined action of the first apparatus is transmitted from the third communication section to the second communication section. When the action instruction signal is received by the second communication section, information on the predetermined action is outputted from the information output section, and when the first apparatus is operated, the action execution signal indicating the action executed by the first apparatus is transmitted from the first communication section to the third communication section. Then, it is determined that the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information associated with the first apparatus is satisfied when the action execution signal transmitted from the first communication section is received by the third communication section after the action instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the second communication section, and when the action execution signal indicates that the predetermined action is executed by the first apparatus.

In this case, from the event that after the action instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the second communication section, the action execution signal indicating that the predetermined action of the first apparatus is executed is received by the third communication section, it can be estimated that a person who recognizes the predetermined action outputted from the second information output section conveys that information to a person who executes an operation on the first apparatus, or that the person who recognizes the information on the predetermined action is the same person who executes an operation on the first apparatus. Further, from the fact that the information on the predetermined action is conveyed between the two persons, it can be estimated that the two persons are in a relationship of trust. Accordingly, since it is determined whether or not the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied through the operation on the first apparatus by the single person or through the operation by one of the two persons in a relationship of trust, security can be ensured when it is determined whether or not the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied. As described above, simply by a single person or one of two persons in a relationship of trust operating the first apparatus, authentication determination can be performed while security is ensured, and a burden can be reduced at the time of authentication and registration of the identification information associated with the first apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an authentication and registration system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a registration server,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle including an on-board controller and the like;

FIG. 5 shows communication operation at the time of authentication and registration performed by the authentication and registration system;

FIG. 6 shows communication operation in first authentication processing;

FIG. 7 shows communication operation in second authentication processing; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of authentication determination processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an authentication and registration system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. The authentication and registration system according to the present embodiment is aimed for use in telematics and to enable a user to register identification information related to a vehicle owned by the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, an authentication and registration system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a registration server 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3 (only one is shown), a plurality of on-board controllers 4 (only one is shown), and the like. These components 2 to 4 are connected via a wireless communication network 5 (network) so that the components 2 to 4 can perform data communication.

As shown in FIG. 2, the registration server 2 includes a computation section 2 a, a storage section 2 b, a wireless communication circuit 2 c, and the like. Note that in the present embodiment, the registration server 2 corresponds to an authentication and registration apparatus, the computation section 2 a and the storage section 2 b correspond to an authentication and registration section, and the wireless communication circuit 2 c corresponds to a third communication section.

The registration server 2 performs data communication with the mobile terminal 3 and the on-board controller 4 via the wireless communication circuit 2 c and the wireless communication network 5. Through the data communication, authentication processing for authenticating various types of identification information, which will be described later, is performed, and when authentication succeeds, the various types of identification information are registered into the storage section 2 b.

When the various types of identification information are thus registered into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2, telematics are available to a user thereafter. That is, the user can remotely operate the registered vehicle, such as starting an engine, by operating the mobile terminal 3.

The mobile terminal 3 is of a smartphone type and includes a controller 3 a, a display 3 b, a wireless communication circuit 3 c, and the like as shown in FIG. 3. Note that in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 corresponds to a second apparatus, the display 3 b corresponds to an input interface, and the wireless communication circuit 3 c corresponds to a second communication section.

The controller 3 a is configured with a microcomputer including a processor, a memory, and an I/O interface.

The display 3 b is configured with a capacitive touch panel and is disposed across an almost entire front face of the mobile terminal 3. When an input operation (for example, tapping, swiping, pinching-out, or pinching-in) is executed by the user on the display 3 b, an operation signal indicating the operation is outputted to the controller 3 a.

Further, the wireless communication circuit 3 c is configured to be able to transmit a radio signal to and receive a radio signal from the wireless communication network 5. The controller 3 a performs data communication with the registration server 2 via the wireless communication circuit 3 c and the wireless communication network 5.

When application software for a predetermined communication service (hereinafter, referred to as the “communication software”) is installed by the user into the mobile terminal 3, the mobile terminal 3 becomes able to perform data communication with the registration server 2 through the communication software, which will be described later. Thus, transmission of an authentication and registration request signal and the like, which will be described later, can be performed through an input operation on the display 3 b by the user. Note that in a description below, it is assumed that the communication software is already installed in the mobile terminal 3.

On the other hand, the on-board controller 4 is mounted on a vehicle 6. The vehicle 6 includes a gasoline engine (not shown) as a power source. As shown in FIG. 4, the on-board controller 4 includes an ECU 4 a and a TCU 4 b. Note that in the present embodiment, the on-board controller 4 corresponds to a first apparatus and an on-board apparatus, the vehicle 6 corresponds to the first apparatus, and the TCU 4 b corresponds to a first communication section.

The ECU 4 a is configured to perform various types of control processing for the vehicle 6 and configured with a microcomputer including a processor (not shown), a storage (not shown), a memory (not shown), an I/O interface (not shown), and the like.

In the memory of the ECU 4 a, vehicle identification information VIN and user identification information POID are stored. The vehicle identification information VIN is identification information on the vehicle 6 and is assigned when the vehicle 6 is manufactured. The user identification information POID is identification information on an owner of the vehicle 6 and is assigned when the vehicle 6 is sold or the like. When the owner of the vehicle 6 is changed, new user identification information POID is assigned. The ECU 4 a performs various types of control processing based on operation programs in the memory and inputted and outputted data, which will be described later.

Further, the ECU 4 a is electrically connected to the TCU 4 b and is configured to be able to perform data communication with the TCU 4 b. The TCU 4 b includes a processor (not shown), a storage (not shown), a memory (not shown), an I/O interface (not shown), a wireless communication circuit (not shown), and the like.

The wireless communication circuit of the TCU 4 b incorporates a SIM card (not shown). The SIM card is under a contract with a carrier, whereby the wireless communication circuit of the TCU 4 b is configured to be able to perform data communication with the registration server 2 via the SIM card and the wireless communication network 5.

SIM card identification information (hereinafter, referred to as the “SIM identification information”) IMSI is associated with the SIM card. With the configuration as described above, the on-board controller 4 performs data communication with the registration server 2 via the TCU 4 b and the wireless communication network 5, which will be described later.

Further, an ignition switch (hereinafter, referred to as the “IG SW”) 10, a wiper switch 11, a light switch 12, a starter 20, a wiper apparatus 21, a headlight 22, and a DA apparatus 23 are electrically connected to the ECU 4 a. Each of the switches 10 to 12 is disposed in vicinity of a steering wheel (not shown) of the vehicle 6 and, when operated by a driver to be turned on or off, outputs an operation signal indicating the operation to the ECU 4 a.

The starter 20 is configured to start the engine of the vehicle 6 and is disposed in vicinity of the engine of the vehicle 6. When the IG SW 10 is operated to be turned on by the driver of the vehicle 6 through an ignition key, an operation signal indicating the operation is outputted from the IG SW 10 to the ECU 4 a. Thus, the ECU 4 a drives the starter 20 to start the engine.

The wiper apparatus 21 is configured to wipe water droplets and dust on a front window of the vehicle 6 and is disposed in vicinity of a lower-end portion of the front window. When the wiper switch 11 is operated to be turned on by the driver of the vehicle 6, an operation signal indicating the operation is outputted from the wiper switch 11 to the ECU 4 a. Thus, the ECU 4 a causes the wiper apparatus 21 to perform an on action.

Further, the headlight 22 is configured to illuminate a front of the vehicle 6 and is disposed at a front-end portion of the vehicle 6. When the light switch 12 is operated to be turned on by the driver of the vehicle 6, an operation signal indicating the operation is outputted from the light switch 12 to the ECU 4 a. Thus, the ECU 4 a turns on the headlight 22.

On the other hand, the DA apparatus 23 is configured to provide image information such as navigation information and music information to the driver and is disposed on a front side of a vehicle interior. The DA apparatus 23 includes a display (not shown), a music operation section (not shown), and the like. When the DA apparatus 23 is in action, the navigation information or the like is displayed on the display. Note that in the present embodiment, the DA apparatus 23 corresponds to a first information output section and a display apparatus.

Next, a description will be given of communication operation at the time of authentication and registration performed by the authentication and registration system 1 according to the present embodiment, with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, first, initial start processing is performed at the on-board controller 4 (FIG. 5, STEP 1).

The initial start processing is performed when a user starts the engine for a first time after purchase of the vehicle 6. More specifically, when the ignition key is turned to an on position by the user and the IG SW 10 is turned on, a command to output a first identification information signal is transmitted from the ECU 4 a to the TCU 4 b.

Thus, the first identification information signal is transmitted by the TCU 4 b to the registration server 2 (FIG. 5, STEP 2). The first identification information signal includes the above-described vehicle identification information VIN, user identification information POID, and SIM identification information IMSI as data.

Subsequently, identification information storage processing is performed at the registration server 2 (FIG. 5, STEP 3). In this processing, the three types of identification information VIN, POID, and IMSI included in first identification information signal are stored into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2.

Thereafter, authentication request processing is performed at the mobile terminal 3 (FIG. 5, STEP 4). In the authentication request processing, when the vehicle identification information VIN is inputted into an entry field (not shown) of the above-described communication software through an operation on the display 3 b by the user while the communication software is running, it is determined to transmit an authentication request signal to the registration server 2.

By the authentication request processing being performed, the authentication request signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the registration server 2 (FIG. 5, STEP 5). The authentication request signal includes the vehicle identification information VIN as data.

Subsequently, authentication condition determination processing is performed at the registration server 2 (FIG. 5, STEP 6). The authentication condition determination processing is performed when the above-described authentication request signal is received from the mobile terminal 3. In this processing, a database within the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2 is searched based on the vehicle identification information VIN included in the authentication request signal, whereby presence or absence of the DA apparatus 23 in the vehicle 6 is determined.

In this database, what the vehicle 6 is equipped with and the like at the time of factory shipment are stored in association with the vehicle identification information VIN. Thus, presence or absence of the DA apparatus 23 in the vehicle 6 is accurately determined by the registration server 2, based on the vehicle identification information VIN.

Subsequently, first authentication processing or second authentication processing is performed based on a result of the above-described determination of presence or absence of the DA apparatus 23 (FIG. 5, STEP 7). The first authentication processing is performed when the vehicle is equipped with the DA apparatus 23, and the second authentication processing is performed when the vehicle is not equipped with the DA apparatus 23.

In the present embodiment, since the vehicle 6 is equipped with the DA apparatus 23 as mentioned above, the first authentication processing shown in FIG. 6 is performed. As shown in FIG. 6, first, start determination processing is performed (FIG. 6, STEP 10). In the start determination processing, it is determined whether or not the IG SW 10 is turned on by the user turning the ignition key to the on position, and when the IG SW 10 is turned on, a command to output a second identification information signal is transmitted from the ECU 4 a to the TCU 4 b.

Thus, the second identification information signal is transmitted from the TCU 4 b of the on-board controller 4 to the registration server 2 (FIG. 6, STEP 11). The second identification information signal includes the above-described vehicle identification information VIN and SIM identification information IMSI as data.

At the registration server 2, when the second identification information signal is received, identification information determination processing is performed (FIG. 6, STEP 12). In this processing, it is determined whether or not the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI included in the second identification information signal match the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI for authentication stored in the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2.

When the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI included in the second identification information signal match the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI for authentication, it is determined to transmit an authentication code signal (output instruction signal) to the on-board controller 4.

Thus, the authentication code signal is transmitted from the registration server 2 to the on-board controller 4 (FIG. 6, STEP 13). The authentication code signal includes a predetermined authentication code (a combination of a predetermined number of alpha numeric characters) as data. Note that in the present embodiment, the authentication code corresponds to authentication information.

When the authentication code signal is received by the TCU 4 b of the on-board controller 4, authentication code display processing is performed by the ECU 4 a of the on-board controller 4 (FIG. 6, STEP 14). In this processing, the authentication code included in the authentication code signal is displayed on the display of the DA apparatus 23.

When the authentication code displayed on the display of the DA apparatus 23 is visually recognized by the user and thereafter the authentication code is inputted into the entry field (not shown) of the above-mentioned communication software through an operation by the user on the display 3 b of the mobile terminal 3 (FIG. 6, STEP 15), it is determined at the mobile terminal 3 to transmit an authentication code acknowledgement signal (executed-operation signal) to the registration server 2.

Thus, the authentication code acknowledgement signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the registration server 2 (FIG. 6, STEP 16). The authentication code acknowledgement signal includes the authentication code inputted by the user as data.

At the registration server 2, when the authentication code acknowledgement signal is received, authentication code determination processing is performed (FIG. 6, STEP 17). In this processing, it is determined whether or not the authentication code included in the authentication code acknowledgement signal matches the authentication code included in the above-mentioned authentication code signal.

When it is determined that both the authentication codes match each other (that is, when a predetermined authentication condition is satisfied), authentication of the identification information succeeds, so that the above-described three types of identification information VIN, POID, and IMSI are stored into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2. When it is determined that both the authentication codes do not match each other, authentication of the identification information fails, so that the above-described three types of identification information VIN, POID, and IMSI are not stored into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2.

After the authentication code determination processing is performed as described above, the registration server 2 transmits an authentication result signal to the mobile terminal 3 (FIG. 6, STEP 18). The authentication result signal includes a determination result, success or failure, of authentication of the identification information as data.

At the mobile terminal 3, when the authentication result signal is received by the mobile terminal 3, the determination result, success or failure, of authentication of the identification information is displayed on the display 3 b (FIG. 6, STEP 19). Thus, the user can visually recognize whether or not telematics become available. The first authentication processing is performed as described above.

As described above, according to the authentication and registration system 1 of the present embodiment, the authentication request signal is transmitted to the registration server 2 by the mobile terminal 3 being operated (STEP 5). At the registration server 2, when the second identification information signal is received from the on-board controller 4 after the authentication request signal is received, and when the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI included in the second identification information signal match the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI included in the first identification information signal, the authentication code signal is transmitted to the on-board controller 4 (STEP 13). At the on-board controller 4, when the authentication code signal is received, the authentication code is displayed on the DA apparatus 23 (STEP 14). Thereafter, the authentication code acknowledgement signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the registration server 2. At the registration server 2, when the authentication code included in the authentication code acknowledgement signal matches the authentication code included in the authentication code signal, it is determined that authentication of the identification information related to the vehicle 6 succeeds (STEP 17).

In this case, from the event that after the authentication code signal is transmitted from the registration server 2 to the on-board controller 4, the authentication code acknowledgement signal including the same authentication code as that of the authentication code signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the registration server 2, it can be estimated that a person who recognizes the authentication code displayed on the DA apparatus 23 conveys that information to a person who executes an operation on the mobile terminal 3, or that the person who recognizes the authentication code on the DA apparatus 23 is the same person who executes an operation on the mobile terminal 3. From the fact that the authentication information is conveyed between the two persons in particular, it can be estimated that the two persons are in a relationship of trust. Accordingly, since it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated through an operation on the mobile terminal 3 by the single person, or through an operation on the mobile terminal 3 by one of the two persons in a relationship of trust, security can be ensured when it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated. As described above, authentication determination can be performed while security is ensured, and a burden can be reduced at the time of authentication and registration of the identification information related to the vehicle 6.

Note that although the embodiment shows an example where the vehicle 6 and the on-board controller 4 are used for the first apparatus, the first apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this example. The first apparatus may be any apparatus or the like which includes the first communication section configured to transmit and receive a data signal, with which identification information is associated, and which can perform an action through an operation by a first user. For example, one of the vehicle 6 and the on-board controller 4 may be used for the first apparatus, or other industrial machines such as a ship, an electric train, and a robot may be used for the first apparatus.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the on-board controller 4 is used for the on-board apparatus, the on-board apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this example. The on-board apparatus may be any apparatus or the like which is mounted on a vehicle. For example, a car navigation system and the like may be used for the on-board apparatus.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the mobile terminal 3 is used for the second apparatus, the second apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this example. The second apparatus may be any apparatus or the like which includes the second communication section configured to transmit and receive a data signal, is provided separately from the first apparatus and can be operated in parallel with the first apparatus, and can perform an action through an operation by a second user. For example, other industrial machines such as a notebook computer and a tablet PC may be used for the second apparatus. Note that in the present invention, the first user and the second user may be the same person, or may be two different persons.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the registration server 2 is used for the authentication and registration apparatus, the authentication and registration apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this example. The authentication and registration apparatus may be any apparatus or the like which includes the third communication section configured to be able to perform data communication with the first communication section and with the second communication section via the network, and the authentication and registration section configured to register the identification information when the first identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is already received from the first communication section by third communication section and when the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied. For example, a personal computer and the like may be used for the authentication and registration apparatus.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the vehicle identification information VIN and the SIM identification information IMSI are used for the identification information, the identification information of the present invention is not limited to this example. Any identification information which is associated with at least one of the vehicle and the on-board apparatus may be used. For example, one of the two types of identification information VIN and IMSI may be used for the identification information.

In that case, when the SIM identification information IMSI is used for the identification information, the SIM identification information IMSI is transmitted as the authentication request signal to the registration server 2, and the SIM identification information IMSI is transmitted as the second identification information signal. Then in the identification information determination (STEP 11), it is determined whether or not the two pieces of the SIM identification information IMSI match each other. On the other hand, when only the vehicle identification information VIN is used for the identification information, in the identification information determination (STEP 11), it is determined whether or not two pieces of the vehicle identification information VIN match each other.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the DA apparatus 23 is used for the first information output section, the first information output section of the present invention is not limited to this example. The first information output section may be any apparatus or the like which outputs information included in the data signal received by the first communication section. For example, an audio output apparatus which outputs audio information included in the data signal received by the first communication section may be used for the first information output section.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the DA apparatus 23 is used for the display apparatus, the display apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this example. The display apparatus may be any apparatus or the like which displays the authentication information. For example, a car navigation system and the like may be used for the display apparatus.

Although the embodiment shows an example where the authentication code is used for the authentication information, the authentication information of the present invention is not limited to this example. Any information or the like which is outputted from the first input output section may be used. For example, if the first information output section is an audio output apparatus which outputs audio information, the audio information may be used for the authentication information.

Next, a description will be given of second authentication processing, which is performed if the vehicle 6 does not include the DA apparatus 23, with reference to FIG. 7. Note that a configuration may be made such that the second authentication processing is performed when the DA apparatus 23 is broken down.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, an operation command signal is transmitted from the registration server 2 to the mobile terminal 3 (FIG. 7, STEP 30). The operation command signal includes an operation command as described below as data. In this case, the operation command signal corresponds to an action instruction signal.

At the mobile terminal 3, when the operation command signal is received, the operation command included in the operation command signal is displayed on the display 3 b (FIG. 7, STEP 31). The operation command includes five operation sub-commands (1) to (5) as follows.

(1) Start the engine. (2) After the engine is started, move the wipers for ten seconds. (3) After the wipers are moved for ten seconds, stop the wipers. (4) After the wipers are stopped, turn on the light for ten seconds. (5) After the light is turned on for ten seconds, turn off the light.

On the other hand, at the on-board controller 4, operating state detection processing is performed by the ECU 4 a (FIG. 7, STEP 32). The operating state detection processing is to detect operating states of the above-described apparatuses 20 to 23 of the vehicle 6, based on the above-described operation signals from the switches 10 to 12 and detection signals from various sensors (not shown), and is performed at a predetermined control cycle.

More specifically, start of the engine is detected based on the operation signal from the IG SW 10 and a detection signal from a crank angle sensor (not shown). An on/off action state of the wiper apparatus 21 is detected based on the operation signal from the wiper switch 11. A lit/unlit state of the headlight 22 is detected based on the operation signal from the light switch 12.

The operation state detection processing is performed as described above, whereby an operating state detection signal is outputted from the on-board controller 4 to the registration server 2 at the predetermined control cycle (FIG. 7, STEP 33). The operating state detection signal is outputted as a signal associated with the vehicle identification information VIN.

At the registration server 2, authentication determination processing is performed based on the operating state detection signal (FIG. 7, STEP 34).

The authentication determination processing is to determine whether or not authentication succeeds, based on the operating state detection signal, and more specifically, is performed at the predetermined control cycle as shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, it is determined whether or not the vehicle identification information VIN included in the above-mentioned authentication request signal matches the vehicle identification information VIN included in the operating state detection signal (FIG. 8, STEP 50).

When this determination gives a negative result, (FIG. 8, STEP 50 . . . NO), this processing is immediately terminated. When this determination gives a positive result (FIG. 8, STEP 50 . . . YES), that is, when the vehicle identification information VIN included in the above-mentioned authentication request signal matches the vehicle identification information VIN included in the operating state detection signal, it is determined whether or not an authentication judgement flag F_JUD indicates “0” (FIG. 8, STEP 51).

When this determination gives a negative result (FIG. 8, STEP 51 . . . NO), that is, when F_JUD=1 and success or failure of authentication of the identification information is therefore already determined, this processing is immediately terminated.

When this determination gives a positive result (FIG. 8, STEP 51 . . . YES), it is determined whether or not a passed time period T is a predetermined time period Tref or less (FIG. 8, STEP 52). The passed time period T is obtained by measuring time passed since the above-described operation command signal is outputted from the registration server 2 to the mobile terminal 3. The predetermined time period Tref is set at an appropriate predetermined value (for example, five minutes).

When this determination gives a positive result (FIG. 8, STEP 52 . . . YES), it is determined whether or not all of the above-described operation sub-commands (1) to (5) are performed in consecutive order (FIG. 8, STEP 53). When this determination gives a negative result (FIG. 8, STEP 53 . . . NO), since the result indicates that success or failure of authentication has not been determined, the authentication judgement flag F_JUD is set to “0” (FIG. 8, STEP 54). Thereafter, this processing is terminated.

When the above-described determination gives a positive result (FIG. 8, STEP 53 . . . YES), that is, when all of the above-described operation sub-commands (1) to (5) are performed in consecutive order (when a predetermined authentication condition is satisfied), it is determined that authentication of the identification information succeeds (FIG. 8, STEP 55). Thus, the above-described three types of identification information VIN, POID, and IMSI are registered into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2.

When the above-mentioned passed time period T exceeds the predetermined time period Tref (FIG. 8, STEP 52 . . . NO), it is determined that authentication of the identification information fails (FIG. 8, STEP 56). In this case, the above-described three types of identification information VIN, POID, and IMSI are not registered into the storage section 2 b of the registration server 2.

After success or failure of authentication of the identification information is determined as described above, an authentication result signal is generated as a signal including a determination result (success or failure) of authentication of the identification information as data (FIG. 8, STEP 57).

Subsequently, to indicate that success or failure of authentication of the identification information is already determined, the authentication judgement flag F_JUD is set to “1” (FIG. 8, STEP 58). Thereafter, this processing is terminated.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the registration server 2, after performing the authentication determination processing as described above, transmits the authentication result signal to the mobile terminal 3 (FIG. 7, STEP 35).

At the mobile terminal 3, when the authentication result signal is received by the mobile terminal 3, the determination result, success or failure, of authentication of the identification information is displayed on the display 3 b (FIG. 8, STEP 36). Thus, the user can visually recognize whether or not telematics becomes available. The second authentication processing is performed as described above. Note that in a case where the above-described second authentication processing is performed, the display 3 b corresponds to a second information output section.

If the second authentication processing is performed as described above, the registration server 2 transmits the operation command signal including the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) over the vehicle 6 to the mobile terminal 3 when the authentication request signal is received from the mobile terminal 3 (STEP 30). Further, when the operation command signal is received, the mobile terminal 3 displays the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) on the display 3 b (STEP 31). Then, when the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) are performed by the switches 10 to 12 of the vehicle 6 being operated, the operating state signal indicating that fact is transmitted to the registration server 2 (STEP 33). At the registration server 2, when the operating state signal indicating that all of the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) are performed in consecutive order is received, it is determined that the authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied (STEP 34).

In this case, from the event that the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) are performed after the operation command signal is transmitted from the registration server 2 to the mobile terminal 3 and the operation command is displayed on the display 3 b, it can be estimated that a person who recognizes the operation command on the display 3 b conveys that information to, or is the same person as, a person who performs the operation sub-commands (1) to (5). Moreover, from the fact that the information on the operation sub-commands (1) to (5) is conveyed between the two persons, it can be estimated that the two persons are in a relationship of trust. Accordingly, since it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated through operations of the switches of the vehicle 6 by the single person, or through operations of the switches of the vehicle 6 by one of the two persons in relationship of trust, security can be ensured when it is determined whether or not the identification information can be authenticated.

As described above, authentication determination can be performed while security is ensured as in the embodiment, and a burden can be reduced at the time of authentication and registration of the identification information on the vehicle 6. Even if the vehicle 6 does not include the DA apparatus 23 or even if the DA apparatus 23 is broken down in particular, authentication determination can be performed while security is ensured, and merchantability can be enhanced accordingly.

Note that in the authentication determination processing in FIG. 8, the determination of matching of the vehicle identification information VIN (STEP 50) may be omitted.

In the above description, the display 3 b is used as an example of the second information output section. However, the second information output section of the present invention is not limited to this. The second information output section may be any apparatus or the like which outputs information included in the data signal received by the second communication section. For example, an audio output apparatus which outputs audio information included in the data signal received by the second communication section may be used for the second information output section. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An authentication and registration system comprising: a first apparatus which includes a first communication section configured to transmit and receive a data signal, with which identification information is associated, and which performs an action through an operation by a first user, a second apparatus which includes a second communication section configured to transmit and receive a data signal, is provided separately from the first apparatus and can be operated in parallel with the first apparatus, and performs an action through an operation by a second user, and an authentication and registration apparatus which includes a third communication section configured to be able to perform data communication with the first communication section and with the second communication section via a network, and an authentication and registration section configured to register the identification information when a first identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is already received from the first communication section by the third communication section, and when a predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied, wherein in a case where the first apparatus further includes a first information output section configured to output information included in the data signal received by the first communication section, the second communication section, by the second apparatus being operated, transmits an authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus to the third communication section, the third communication section, after receiving the authentication request signal from the second communication section, transmits to the first communication section an output instruction signal for instructing the first information output section to output authentication information when a second identification information signal including the identification information associated with the first apparatus is received from the first communication section, and when the identification information included in the second identification information signal matches the identification information included in the first identification information signal, the first information output section outputs the authentication information when the first communication section receives the output instruction signal, when an operation on the second apparatus is executed after the authentication request signal is transmitted to the third communication section, the second communication section transmits an executed-operation signal indicating an executed operation to the third communication section, and the authentication and registration section determines that the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied when the executed-operation signal from the second communication section is received by the third communication section after the output instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the first communication section, and when the executed-operation signal indicates that the operation corresponding to the authentication information is executed.
 2. The authentication and registration system according to claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is at least one of a vehicle and an on-board apparatus mounted on the vehicle, and the second apparatus is a mobile terminal.
 3. The authentication and registration system according to claim 2, wherein the first information output section is a display apparatus which is provided in the vehicle and displays the authentication information when the first communication section receives the output instruction signal, the mobile terminal further includes an input interface, and the second communication section of the mobile terminal transmits the executed-operation signal to the third communication section when an operation on the input interface is executed.
 4. The authentication and registration system according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the first apparatus does not include the first information output section or in a case where the first information output section is broken down, and in a case where the second apparatus further includes a second information output section configured to output information included in the data signal received by the second communication section, the second communication section, by the second apparatus being operated, transmits the authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the identification information associated with the first apparatus to the third communication section, the third communication section, when receiving the authentication request signal from the second communication section, transmits an action instruction signal for instructing to execute a predetermined action of the first apparatus to the second communication section, when the second communication section receives the action instruction signal, the second information output section outputs information on the predetermined action, when the first apparatus is operated, the first communication section transmits an action execution signal indicating an action executed by the first apparatus to the third communication section, and the authentication and registration section determines that the predetermined authentication condition of the identification information is satisfied in a case where the action execution signal transmitted from the first communication section is received by the third communication section after the action instruction signal is transmitted from the third communication section to the second communication section, and in a case where the action execution signal indicates that the predetermined action is executed by the first apparatus. 